Booklist review follows description. From the Back Cover Every young person will need this book at some time in his or her life How to Handle Bullies, Teasers and Other Meanies: (a) covers annoying name calling, vicious prejudice, explosive anger, dangerous situations, and causes of difficult behavior; (b) contains more than 12 ways for melting meanness; (c) Uses dozens of dialogues and practice exercises that children enjoy reading; (d) shows young people how to put spiritual truths into action; and (e) gives parents, teachers, and counselors a method to help young people help themselves. This is an approach that goes far beyond assertiveness in its mastery of meanness. Kate Cohen-Posey has combined the wisdom from her years of experience as a teacher, therapist, and parent into a unique package of communication and self-help skills for children. Editorial Reviews From Booklist Gr. 4-7. The fill-in-the-blank section may cause a few problems, but consider purchasing this anyway. It's one of a very few books that puts a practical spin on the subject.

It doesn't consider bullies who shove and kick, but it has got some useful tips on how kids can use verbal techniques to turn a bully's slurs inside out. It's a bit of a stretch to think kids this age will want to start an anti-meanness club, and it's difficult to fully accept the author's suggestion that taking the sting out of bullies' words may help bullies see the error of their ways. But this is certainly a place to start when fighting back seems in order, with the ideas and the wordplays recommended giving victims just the edge they may need to begin to recoup their self-esteem. Stephanie Zvirin.